Map made up of different books

MA in Languages, Literatures and Cultures

The MA is unique in its range and scope, inviting you to engage critically with literatures emerging from diverse cultural contexts from around the world. It offers students:

A broad global reach, drawing together our wealth of expertise in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Hispanic and Russian Studies
An inclusive approach to languages, literatures and cultures, allowing you to pursue a degree in world literatures and comparative studies whilst working on materials in their original language(s)
A focus on local, national and regional contexts as well as international contexts, crossing borders, disciplines and canons
A chance to work with specialists in historical periods from the medieval to the contemporary
A thorough foundation in literary and critical theory, providing you with key analytical skills and inviting you to explore interactions between literature and related fields, such as translation, philosophy and visual culture.

Further details on how to apply

The main reason I chose this course was to develop my interest in world literatures, and to acquire the knowledge and key skills to prepare me for a PhD. The coursework I completed in the MA is currently under review for publication, which is all thanks to the outstanding support and encouragement I received by academics across the School. The MA has also allowed me to venture beyond academia and apply my knowledge of cultural theory in research roles at Netflix, Hulu and Disney.

Mona Habeb

MA LLC, School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Shape your path in the Arts and Humanities

Across our 15 postgraduate taught programmes (PGT), our range of Postgraduate Taught elective modules offers the flexibility to create a degree that reflects your intellectual passions and your future ambitions.

Postgraduate paths Arts and Humanities 2

Why study Literature and Culture at Durham?

As one of the largest within the country, Durham's School of Modern Languages and Cultures will provide you with an exceptional and intellectually stimulating context for your study.

Our language areas feature regularly in the top five in national league tables such as the Good University Guideand the Complete University Guide. Our expertise covers a range of languages and our disciplinary breadth ranges from close textual analysis and archival studies to the digital and environmental humanities. Some students will find themselves engrossed in the study of some of the centuries-old manuscripts Durham holds; others may think through the ways in which access to oil has reshaped the way in which we think about — and write about — the world.

What our Students Say

Hear why MA Languages, Literatures and Cultures graduates Mona Habeb and Irini Picolou chose this programme and about their experiences

Read about the experiences of another alumnus

What is unique about our programme?

Its flexibility: you will be able to tailor your own programme according to your interests. Alongside one core module, which consolidates skills and methodologies in literary and cultural studies, you will choose your own pathway through the programme, taking modules offered from within the School of Modern Languages and Cultures or from across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Its range: the modules we offer explore a range of topics in world literature and critical theory, both in their original language and in translation.
An invitation to develop your own research expertise and interests, culminating in a dissertation project which you will write under the supervision of a subject specialist.
Our vibrant research community: we invite and encourage our MA students to engage with our cross-disciplinary, cutting-edge research groups and centres, including the Centre for Visual Arts and Cultures and Centre for Culture and Ecology.

This MA was perfect for expanding my horizons, and the various components enabled me to develop essential skills for my PhD in Art History and Gender Studies. During the Work Placement module, I worked with archives at Ushaw College, which allowed me to gain experience in examining palaeographical and visual material. My favourite part of the course was the core module, which not only enriched me academically, but also provided me with new ways of thinking, writing and seeing the world.

Irini Picolou

MA LLC, School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Pathways from the MA

The MA offers you:

Preparation for further academic work, as part of a Ph.D. in comparative literature or a related discipline, with a view to a research career in academia or in other cultural and public organisations
A qualification in its own right, equipping students to embark upon a range of careers in the cultural and public sector, both nationally and internationally

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Any questions?

MA director: Polly Dickson (German), polly.l.dickson@durham.ac.uk

Teaching on the MA is consistently intellectually stimulating, led by valuable research on evolving critical, cultural, and political contentions. Tutors foster opportunities for intellectual expansion, and provide high quality feedback. The course goes further than just a degree certificate as tutors constantly seek to promote critical and lateral thinking. My favourite part has been the opportunity to delve deep, beyond canonical texts, into a broad range of cultural and critical perspectives.

Rhodri Sheldrake Davies

MA LLC, School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Meet MA Languages, Literatures and Cultures student Ruixiang Zhong (Jason)

Find out about why Ruixiang decided to study Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Durham University, what he most enjoys about his course and what has been his proudest moment during his time at Durham University.

Apply to MA Languages, Literatures and Cultures